The Expo 2025 Osaka venue is massive, and while wandering around, I happened to pass by the Czech Pavilion. Czech Republic! And when you think of Czech beer, of course, it’s Pilsner Urquell!
Many international pavilions at the Expo offer beer from their own countries, and at the Czech Pavilion, you can casually enjoy Pilsner Urquell from a To-go counter. I had read about this in advance, so I headed straight to the To-go window without hesitation.
It wasn’t too crowded. If you’re just getting beer, there’s a draft server right in front of you, so service is quick. There’s also a restaurant for those who want to dine in more leisurely, but it had a long line. If you’re just looking for beer or a quick bite, there’s a spot right in front of the counter where you can sit and enjoy it casually.
Here’s the To-go menu. The “dumplings” are a traditional Czech dish—kind of like meat buns. Cash is not accepted anywhere on the Expo site; it’s completely cashless. If you’re using an insert-style credit card, you’ll need to enter a PIN, which can be a bit unnerving in a crowd. I definitely recommend using a contactless card. Also, takeout is cheaper: food items are 300–400 yen less, and beer is 150 yen cheaper than at the restaurant.
And here it is: Pilsner Urquell for 1,250 yen. Hladinka refers to the Czech-style beer pour that reduces carbonation slightly and creates a balanced head. First, foam is poured into the glass, and then beer is added underneath it. You can find a few places serving Pilsner Urquell on draft in Tokyo, and it really is a delicious beer—especially on a hot day like this one. So refreshing!
The Czech Pavilion is close enough to the waterfront that you can take your beer and enjoy it while gazing at the sea—an unbeatable combination. If you dine at the restaurant, you can even order different pour styles like Šnyt (half foam) or Mlíko (mostly foam).
